I hadn’t done any singing since Magnus was born apart from joining in hymns, but I got an appeal to be part of the choir for a special service; ‘I’ve written an Ave Maria for the curate’s final service … could you sing the top line … rehearsal Friday … Sibelius-ed copy will follow …’.
So I was back in action again. I have always found it harder getting back into singing after a birth than singing in the months immediately beforehand; something perhaps to do with not being sure where the relevant muscles have got to. This time it wasn’t too difficult and I hope to be singing as normal relatively quickly.
Other music for the service included bits of Darke in E which makes a change from Darke in F (we also do Darke in A minor, for some reason only on Easter Sunday). And a rare chance to sing a triple chant (not that I mind doing them rarely, as I’m not very keen on them. A well-placed single chant on the other hand can be most effective).
Meanwhile I have to fix the Cathedral Chamber Choir’s week in 2007, which I started negotiating months ago! Durham Cathedral never replied to any emails. I had more success with a couple of other Cathedrals, one of which is now in possession of a CD of the choir, but they both seem to have stopped answering emails too, so it may be time to pick up the phone.